New Jersey Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Which of the following services requires prior approval before charging a fee for embalming?

1. Embarking on a new practice

2. Emergency embalming services

3. Veteran services embalming

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Emergency embalming services

Prior approval for charging a fee for embalming is typically required in the context of emergency embalming services. This is due to the urgent nature of the service; when embalming is needed unexpectedly and cannot be delayed, the practitioner must ensure that any charges incurred are authorized by the relevant authorities or governing bodies. Regulations often require funeral service providers to obtain explicit consent before performing specific services like embalming in emergency situations, to protect both the rights of the deceased and the interests of the family or estate. The option regarding embarking on a new practice generally does not require prior approval specific to embalming fees, since starting a new practice is more about establishing business protocols than it is about fees for individual services. Similarly, veteran services embalming typically involves various established protocols and agreements that might not require the same level of prior fee approval as an emergency situation does. Thus, emergency services distinguish themselves by necessitating immediate action and explicit consent for fees due to their unforeseen nature.